The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a decline in flu activity last week, but major impacts on hospitals and outpatient clinics persist. The CDC stated that 16 pediatric flu deaths were reported, bringing the season’s total to 114.
Despite this decline, test positivity for flu remained high at 18.9%, indicating ongoing impacts from the season. Outpatient visits for flulike illness also continue above national baselines, with all areas of the country reporting higher than regional levels.
Influenza A viruses were more prevalent, accounting for 96% of positive tests, while subtyped influenza A viruses showed a majority of 2009 H1N1 and H3N2 strains. Hospitalizations increased to their highest rate since the 2010-11 season, with over 29,500 people hospitalized last week.
The overall trend in flu deaths is downward, but still outpaces COVID-19 deaths. Meanwhile, test positivity for COVID remains stable, and emergency department visits and hospitalizations continue to decline. Wastewater detections of SARS-CoV-2 also decreased, although levels remain highest in the South.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-general/us-flu-ebbs-third-straight-week-impact-healthcare-remains